Did you know that almost a third of hospital and emergency room visits occur in the summer? Yet many of them, for sports-related sprains and strains to sunburn and heat exhaustion, can be prevented. Check out this quiz and see how well prepared you are to protect yourself and your family outdoors this time of year:
1. What are some of the most common injuries that occur in the summer?
Answer: D—all of the above. If answer B surprised you, remember to keep a close eye on the temperature of refrigerated dishes such as potato salad, deviled eggs, and coleslaw, especially if they’re placed in direct sunlight for any length of time.
2. In the summer, you should avoid being outside from…
Answer: B—10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are most intense during this time. If you have to go outside, be sure to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher (and reapply it often).
3. When should you apply sunscreen?
ANSWER: C—30 minutes before going outside. If you were tempted to answer D, remember that UV rays can cause damage in only a few minutes depending on your skin type.
4. True or false: A person can catch a cold in the summertime.
Answer: A—true. Although colds are more common in the fall and winter, since they’re caused by a virus, you can get one any time of the year from someone who already has a cold. Not sure whether you’re fighting a cold, seasonal allergies, or an upper respiratory infection? Teladoc can help!
5. Steps for grilling outside safely include…
Answer: B—clean the grill before you start cooking. An easy way to clean the grate is to heat the grill for a few minutes (with the lid down), then grasp a large wad of paper towels with long-handled tongs, dip the paper in a bit of canola oil, and rub it over the grate to remove residue and help keep those delicious steaks you’re about to grill from sticking. If you were thinking that C is the correct answer, remember that oil and water don’t mix. Check out these tips for avoiding flare-ups while grilling.
6. How many people were treated in ERs last year for injuries from fireworks?
Answer: D—13,000. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 12,900 people were treated in 2017 for accidents related to fireworks. Almost 25% of these injuries were caused by sparklers, which burn at 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. By contrast, water boils at 212 degrees!
At Teladoc, we know that summer is the time for backyard barbecues and trips to the beach, not trips to the doctor, so we’re prepared when you and your family need help with a non-emergency medical condition. You can reach our board-certified physicians by app, web, or phone 24/7 anywhere in the U.S. Here’s wishing you a safe summer filled with wonderful memories to last a lifetime.
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